Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

The Sinn Féin Deputies do not agree to the taking of the Bill at all and, as for the guillotine, it clearly is a further impediment to proper scrutiny and debate in the Chamber. The Bill has huge implications for the rights of all citizens and I emphasise the word "all". It is critical we realise this for the sake of justice and the rule of law in the State. Fundamental changes in the legal code that have constitutional implications are being provided for in the legislation in a matter of a few hours, with the conclusion of Committee, Report and Final Stages by 1.30 p.m. today. The legislation has the potential to be challenged constitutionally and, sadly, will prove to be a false hope for victims of gangland crime. What we need is to guarantee we have proper policing and investigation and ensure we have sound convictions in order to address these serious challenges in society. We are all of one mind that this needs to be done. What is happening with regard to the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Bill is, sadly, not the answer to all of that.

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